YOUTH BASKETBALL
COACHES MANUAL
2-3rd Grade
PRACTICE OUTLINE
YMCA YOUTH SPORTS
PRACTICE SESSION PLANS
Warm-up (5 minutes)
Fitness component (5 Minutes)
Skills Drills (15 minutes)
Game / Play (15 minutes)
Team Circle (10 minutes)
YMCA YOUTH SPORTS
PRACTICE SESSION PLANS
PRACTICE 1
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
Begin each practice with 5 to 10
minutes of warm-up activities to
get players loosened up and
ready to go. Players travel from
one basket to the next dribbling,
jump stopping, and shooting
short shots (two to three feet).
Coaches’ Cue:
Fitness Component (5 minutes)
Following the warm-up, gather the players and
briefly discuss the fitness concept for that practice.
Key Idea: General fitness
“In basketball, running makes our hearts beat
faster and our leg muscles stronger. Spread out
into your own space. Everyone run in place and I
will pass the ball to some of you. If you get the
ball, pass it back to me and keep running!”
Continue for about 30 seconds. “Playing basketball improves our physical conditioning or fitness. We get better at running, jumping and dribbling the ball, and we can keep going longer before
we get too tired. How can I keep from getting too
tired when I am running?” Encourage suggestions.
“How about dribbling? It is also important to take
a rest when you need one and to drink water during practice at home. We will talk more about the
difference areas of fitness in our Fitness Circles
Passing
“Step in the direction of the pass.”
“Elbows in!”
“Follow through—
fingers pointed to
target.”
Catching
“Target hands.”
“Eyes on the ball!”
“Reach!”
“Pull it in.”
Dribbling
Skills Drills (15 minutes)
“Dribble to move
forward!”
1. Introduce, demonstrate and explain how to
“Pass on the move!”
make overhead, bounce, and chest passes.
“Control the ball.”
2. Have your players practice making overhead,
bounce and chest passes.
Description
Pair up players. Practice the three types of passes.
Game / Play (10 minutes)
Description:
Play 2 v 2 half-court games. Teams earn a point only when they complete a
pass before shooting. Players can dribble three times before passing.
Practice 1
INTRO TO VALUES (10 Minutes)
TEAM CIRCLE
Key Idea:
YMCA Core Values
Gather players into a circle with one ball. “Everyone hand
the ball to the one next to you until it makes it around the
whole circle.” After the ball has gone around the circle one
time, have it passed to you. “We play basketball to be more
healthy and fit, but it also teaches us to become good teammates and good people. This season we will talk about five
qualities of a good person and teammate: caring, honesty,
respect, responsibility, and faith. Our team needs to have all
of these qualities in our practices and games. Remember—
we can’t be a team without each of you doing your part.
Let’s pass the ball to each other and say one of the core values before you pass. This will help you remember to use all
five of the qualities so we can work together.”
PRACTICE 2
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
Individual or group—Players practice
dribbling in the following ways either
individually, in a small group, or under
your direction:



Dribbling and changing speed of
travel (travel both fast and slow in
general space).
Dribbling while changing directions
(forward and backward, right to
left).
Dribbling in straight, curved and
zigzag pathways.
Fitness Component (5 minutes)
Key Idea: Flexibility
Bring a rubber band and show it to the children or have them visualize
one. “This rubber band is like our muscles. Can you tell me why?”
Listen for children’s responses—stretches when pulled, goes back to
original shape, and so on. Demonstrate band movement. “Your muscles
work the same way. When you reach and stretch, your muscles stretch
just like the rubber band.
When your body comes back, your muscles go
back to their original shape. Everyone reach down to the floor with your
arms slowly and then bring your arms
back up.” Have children repeat three times. “Your leg
muscles need to stretch because we use them the most in basketball.
When muscles are flexible, it keeps them from getting hurt and make the
muscles feel good.”
PRACTICE 2
Skills Drills (15 minutes)
1. Introduce, demonstrate and explain how to receive the ball in triple threat
position. This position is a version of the ready position in which the
player holds the ball to the side on the hip, with elbows out and gives the
player the option of either shooting, passing or dribbling.
2. Practice receiving passes in the triple threat position.
Description
Players in fours practice passing from point to wing, to baseline, to a high or
low post. Mark positions with tape or markers. Players pass, then move to
another position. Players receiving the ball must
 Present a target for the passer;
 Receive ball in the triple threat position and jump stop;
 Give a ball fake with a jab step before passing; and
 Perform a quick, accurate pass to a partner.
Coaches’ Cue:
“Target hands!”
“Triple threat!”
“Ready position.”
“Hand position.”
“Holding position.”
“Fake a pass, then make a pass.”
“Step toward your target.”
“Elbows in.”
“Fingers pointed at your target.”
Game / Play (10 minutes)
Goal
Players will move to open positions on the court and
be prepared to shoot, pass or dribble when they have
the ball.
Description
Play 2 v 2 half court games. Teams must pass at
least twice before shooting. Players cannot dribble.
All restarts are made at half court.
Practice 2
INTRO TO VALUES (10 Minutes)
TEAM CIRCLE
Key Idea:
Caring
Gather children into a circle. Stand in the middle of the circle
with a ball. Choose two children to pass the ball with you.
“We’re going to work on our passing skills.” Pass repeatedly
to them and not the others. “Tell me how you felt to have
only two players get the passes.” Listen to their responses.
“Sharing the ball with your teammates shows you care about
them. What other things can you do to show you care about
your teammates?” Their responses should include encouragement, positive comments for good play, forgiving players
who make mistakes, and so on. “Good. Those are all ways
you can show you care.”
PRACTICE 3
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
Choose one of these two activities:
1. Individual—Players dribble around
cones spaced three feet apart.
They try to dribble 60 seconds without bumping into any cones.
2. Pairs—Players pair up with partners
of similar skill. Partner 1 dribbles
toward the baseline while Partner 2
plays cooperative defense. You can
increase the difficulty by moving to
active defense.
Skills Drills (15 minutes)
1. Introduce, demonstrate and
explain how to shoot.
2. Practice shooting.
Description
Players in pairs shoot three shots
from each of five spots marked
around the basket (about six to
eight feet away). Partners rebound the ball and pass accurately to shooters, who provide a
target, receive the ball in triple
threat, square up and shoot. The
goal is to score on two out of
three shots at each spot.
Fitness Component (5 minutes)
Key Idea: Cardio-respiratory fitness
Gather children into a group. “Everyone hold
one hand up and make a fist. Squeeze your
fist tightly, then let go. Keep tightening and
letting go.” Children continue for 10 counts.
“Your heart is a special muscle that tightens
and relaxes just like your fist is doing. Your
heart is about the size of your fist. Every time
it tightens, or beats, it pumps blood all over
your body. When you play basketball, your
heart beats faster and you breathe faster.
Run in place with high knees. Feel your lungs
and feel your heart beating by placing your
hands over your chest. Count how many
times your heart beats.” Time for 15 seconds.
Ask players the number they
counted. “Running helps you improve your
cardio-respiratory
fitness—the heart and lungs working together
to get blood to your whole body.”
Coaches’ Cue:
“Square up!”
“BEEF!”
“Base firm.”
“Elbow under the ball.”
“Extend arm.”
“Follow through or flip wrist.”
Game / Play (10 minutes)
Goal
Players will score as many field goals as possible.
Description
Play 3 v 1, 3 v 2, or 3 v 3 half-court games, depending on the skill proficiency
of your players. Rotate players accordingly so that all players have a chance to
play offense and defense. Players must complete two or more consecutive
Practice 3
INTRO TO VALUES (10 Minutes)
TEAM CIRCLE
Key Idea:
Honesty
Gather children into a group near two cones about 10 feet
apart. “What is a foul?” Listen to their responses. Choose a
player to help demonstrate responses (including pushing,
bumping players and tripping). “Should you admit to a foul if
no one sees it? Those who think yes, stand at this cone.
Those who think no, stand at this one.” Wait for children to
choose. “When you know you’ve fouled, you should raise
your hand. You should never take unfair advantage of other
players. Can you think of other ways honesty is practiced on
the court?” Listen to responses and discuss. “All of those
show honesty.”
PRACTICE 4
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
Pairs—Players practice shooting in a
game of Around the Key. Use tape
to mark shooting spots. Players
should take all shots close to the
basket.
Fitness Component (5 minutes)
Key Idea: Cardio-respiratory fitness
Gather children in a group. “Everyone put
your hand up in the front of you and make
a fist. What did we pretend our fist was at
the last practice?” Wait for response—
should be the heart. “What do our hearts
Skills Drills (15 minutes)
do?” Wait for responses—pumps blood.
1. Introduce, demonstrate and explain
“Everybody open and close your fist. Put
creating passing lanes. Players create
your hand over your chest and feel what is
passing lanes by using cuts and
happening. Now, let’s run to the hoop and
screens, by maintaining space and court back. Will our hearts beat faster or
balance, and by keeping the middle
slower?” Listen to responses—should be
open, and by quickly moving to a vafaster. “Put your hand over your chest.
cated spot.
Is your heart beating faster or slower?
2. Have your players practice chest passes Are your lungs breathing faster or slower?
and bounce passes.
When we run during basketball, the heart
beats faster just like the fist opening and
Description
closing, and the lungs breathe faster. They
Play 3 v 1 games. Offensive players move
slow down when we slow down. Making
to open space. Defenders play cooperative
your heart beat faster helps to improve
to active defense. Use offensive positions
your cardio-respiratory fitness.
on one or both sides of the basket. Players
pass, then move to an offensive position
(point, wing, baseline, or high or low post)
adjacent to the ball. Players should proCoaches’ Cue:
vide a target for receiving the ball, receive
“Quick cuts!”
it in triple threat, and use a ball fake before
“Fake a pass, make a pass.”
passing. Emphasize using quick jab steps
to create passing lanes.
Game / Play (10 minutes)
Goal
Players will support their teammate with the ball.
Description
Play 3 v 1, 3 v 2, or 2 v 2 short-court games, depending on the skill proficiency
of your players. Rotate players accordingly so that all players have a chance to
Practice 4
INTRO TO VALUES (10 Minutes)
TEAM CIRCLE
Key Idea:
Respect
Gather children into a group. “What have you learned about
basketball this season?” Listen to their responses. “What
does respect have to do with playing basketball or any
sports? It takes many years to master the game of basketball, so basketball deserves your respect. Every year there
are new skills to learn and improve on; every year you play,
you’ll get better. That’s why you need to come back next
year! What examples of players showing respect have you
seen this so far this season?” Listen to their responses and
discuss.
PRACTICE 5
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
Individual—Players dribble from one
basket to the next, and then jump
and shoot. All shooting should be
close to the basket. Jump shots
should be taken within two feet of
the basket.
Fitness Component (5 minutes)
Key Idea: Cardio-respiratory fitness
Gather children in a group. “Everyone find their own space. Put your fist up
in front of you. We pretend our fist is our…” Wait for response—heart. “The
heart does what things?” Wait for response—pumps blood and beats faster
when we run or move faster. “When I say ‘Go!’ run in your own space and
make your fist open and close faster at the same time. When I say ‘Stop!’,
stop as fast as you can.” Begin activity. “When you run, your heart beats
faster. Every time your heart beats faster, it gets stronger because it is a
muscle. Muscles get stronger when you use them. Basketball is a great way
to keep your heart healthy and strong and improve your cardio-respiratory
fitness.”
PRACTICE 5
Skills Drills (15 minutes)
1. Introduce, demonstrate and explain how to execute V-cuts and L-cuts.
Players execute cuts by planting one foot on the court at the end of a
slightly shortened stride, then pushing off that foot to shift their momentum in another direction. Players should use an L-cut or V-cut when a defender has a foot and hand in the passing lane to deny them from catching
the ball.
2. Practice V-cuts and L-cuts.
Description
Play 2 v 2 games with the focus on players using V-cuts and L-cuts, receiving
passes, and using jump stops and the triple threat position. Sequence:
 Player 1 ball fakes, jab steps, and passes to Player 2 who V-cuts as Players 1 is ball faking.
 P-2 catches the ball in a triple threat position using a jump stop.
 Repeat three times and rotate.
 When all four players in a group have practiced the V-cut three times, go
through the rotation again, this time practicing the V-cut on the opposite
side of the basket.
 Use the same sequence to practice the L-cut.
The defense should play passive, cooperative defense (to simplify, begin with
no defense).
Coaches’ Cue:
“Quick cuts!”
“Fake a pass, make a
pass.”
Game / Play (10 minutes)
Players will provide support to their teammate with the ball, using V-cuts
and L-cuts to get open.
Description:
Play 3 v 1, 3 v 2, or 2 v 2 short-court games, depending on the skill proficiency of your players. Rotate players accordingly so that all players have
the chance to play offense and defense. Players must complete at least
three passes before shooting. They receive one point for three consecutive
passes, and two points for every field goal.
Practice 5
INTRO TO VALUES (10 Minutes)
TEAM CIRCLE
Key Idea:
Responsibility
Gather children into a group between two cones about 10 feet
apart. Stand in the middle of the circle with a ball. “I am going to show you two different ways to handle the same situation. Think about which is the best way to handle this.”
Choose a player to receive a pass from you. Make a bad pass
and then stomp angrily away from the group. Retrieve the ball
and make another bad pass. This time, run to get the ball and
make a pass that goes directly to the player. “If you think the
first response is the way to handle making a bad pass, stand
next to this cone. If you think the second way is better, stand
next to this one.” Ask players to explain their choices. “It’s
important to be a good sport in basketball.” Highlight how and
why. “That’s being responsible to your teammate.”
PRACTICE 6
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
Fitness Component (5 minutes)
Individual—Players dribble from one
basket to the next, and then jump
stop and shoot. All shooting should
be close to the basket (jump shots
within two feet of the basket).
Key Idea: Flexibility
Gather children in a group. Show them a
rubber band or have them visualize one.
Demonstrate how it stretches. “We pretend this rubber band is…” Wait for response—a muscle. “It moves back and
forth, stretching and moving. Let’s move
our bodies just like the rubber band.
Reach and stretch up and down. It’s important to stretch slowly without bouncing
or quick movement.” Have children continue for minute. “Our muscles help us to
move and stretch. We need to stretch
muscles to keep them flexible or able to
move easily. When muscles can move easily they don’t get injured and our bodies
feel good.”
Skills Drills (15 minutes)
1. Introduce, demonstrate and explain
how to use a jump stop prior to
shooting.
2. Practice shooting off of jump stops.
Descriptio
n
Play 1 v 1; defenders play cooperative
defense. Players with the ball use a
ball fake, jab step and drive to the
basket. They jump stop about two feet
from the basket and shoot. (To simplify, begin with no defense.)
Coaches’ Cue:
“Arm should look like a yo-yo.”
“Ball down, eyes up.”
“Two-foot jump stop.”
“Eyes on target.”
“In the square, in the basket.”
Game / Play (10 minutes)
Goal
Players will attempt to score in 15 seconds or less.
Description
Play 1 v 1 games. The player with the ball starts at the foul line. Check the ball
(defensive player starts with the ball and gives it to the offensive player when they
are ready to play). The offensive player begins in triple threat position.. The offensive player gets two points for every basket scored off a jump stop, and one point
for every basket scored otherwise.
Practice 6
INTRO TO VALUES (10 Minutes)
TEAM CIRCLE
Key Idea:
Faith
Have the team line up in two equal lines facing each other.
Have the players stand diagonally across from one another,
not directly across from one another. Give the ball to the first
person in one of the lines. That person is going to pass the
ball to the person across from them in the other line. The
ball is caught then passed diagonally across to the next person in line and this continues until everyone has had a
chance to catch and pass the ball. Now do this again, but
add in a second ball, then a third ball, etc. Begin a discussion about trusting your teammate to wait until you are looking before they pass you the ball. Explain the importance of
trusting or having faith in your teammates.
PRACTICE 7
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
Fitness Component (5 minutes)
Individual—Players dribble from one
basket to the next and then jump
stop and shoot. All shooting should
be close to the basket (jump shots
within two feet of the basket).
Key Idea: Muscular strength and endurance
Gather children into a group. “Okay, everyone
get down on the ground and do the crab walk.”
Continue for 30 seconds to one minute. “Are
your arms and legs getting tired? You used
many of your arm and leg muscles to do the
crab walk. What parts of the body do you use
the most for basketball? That’s right—your
arms and legs. The more you practice basketball, the stronger your muscles will get. What
things can we do to get our muscles stronger
for basketball?” Let them answer running and
dribbling. “Right. Now pretend you have a basketball in front of you. Pretend to dribble the
ball in your spot.” Have children dribble for
five counts. “Practicing dribbling helps make
your arms stronger.”
Coaches’ Cue:
“Quick cuts!”
“Drop and drive!”
“Watch the belly button of
the player attempting to
fake.”
“Anticipate!”
Skills Drills (15 minutes)
1. Introduce, demonstrate and explain how to use a drop step and drive to the basket.
Player’s backs lead the way as they make a reverse turn. Players should maintain a
balanced stance, keep the weight on the ball of their pivot foot, and drop their nonpivot foot back.
2. Practice the drop step and drive.
Description
Play 2 v 2 games with a cooperative defense. Players with the ball will ball fake, jab
step, then drop step and drive to the basket. Passive defenders try to shut down passing lanes. Offense off the ball uses various cuts to create a passing lane. For each 2 v
2 game, two other players will coach. One will coach thee cooperative defenders to
close down the lane; the other will coach the offense to reposition themselves to create
open passing lanes. Switch
roles after three attempts.
Coach: What was the goal of the game?
Players: To score on drives.
Game / Play (10 minutes)
Coach: When should you drive?
Players: When you have an open lane to the basket and no team-
Goal
Players will use drop steps and drive to the basket.
Description
Play 3 v 1, 3 v 2, or 3 v 3 games, depending on the skill proficiency of your players.
Rotate players accordingly so that all players have a chance to play offense and defense. Give two points for every basket scored off a drop step and drive, and one
point for every basket scored otherwise.
Practice 7
INTRO TO VALUES (10 Minutes)
TEAM CIRCLE
Key Idea: Teamwork
Gather your players into a group. Start a discussion about
the importance of teamwork. “Try to tie your shoe with one
hand.” Wait while the players attempt to tie their shoes with
one hand. It cannot be done. Ask your teammate next to
you to lend a hand and tie it with you.” Wait while the players help each other tie their shoes. Explain that working together and depending on others will help teams achieve their
goals.
PRACTICE 8
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
Pairs—Partners take turns. One
passes the ball, and the other either
shoots from Around the Key spots or
dribbles and drives to the basket.
Fitness Circle (5 minutes)
Key Idea:
General fitness
Gather children into a circle. “What do our bodies need to do every day to
keep going?” Wait for their responses. Discuss sleep and rest, eating,
and doing regular activities. “There’s one more thing that’s really important—being active and exercising. Let’s pretend it’s a day that you do not
have basketball practice. Your body needs to move every day. With no
basketball today, what should we do to move our bodies?” Wait for their
responses. If a child suggest an activity such as biking or swimming,
have everyone act our that activity. Act out three activities. “It’s important to be active when you don’t have basketball practice. Your body
needs to move every day.”
PRACTICE 8
Skills Drills (15 minutes)
1. Introduce, demonstrate and explain proper on-the-ball positioning. Defenders can best keep their opponents with the ball from scoring by staying between them and the basket. Defenders should maintain an arm’s distance
from the offensive player with the ball and consider their body position
(ready and alert?) and court position (close enough or too close?).
2. Practice on-the-ball defensive positioning.
Description
Pair up players. The player with the ball dribbles forward in a zigzag pattern.
The defensive players maintains proper defensive posture and attempts to block
the offensive player’s forward progress. The defender tries to steal the ball
without fouling or cause a turnover. Players switch roles after one length of the
court.
Coaches’ Cue:
“Medium body posture.”
“Active hands and
active feet!”
“See the ball.”
Coach: What did you do to keep the opposing
team from scoring?
Players: Closely guarded opponent, rebounded so
they wouldn’t get a second shot.
Coach: What defensive position or actions interfered most and kept your opponent from scoring?
Player: Keeping the body between opponent and
goal. Being sure you can always see the ball.
Guarding opponent closely. Keeping hands and
feet moving; playing active defense.
Game / Play (10 minutes)
Goal
Defenders will play good on-the-ball defense.
Description
Play 1 v 1 games with active to competitive defense. Offensive players can dribble, but as soon
as they pick up the dribble, defensive players
move closer and use active hands and feet.
Practice 8
INTRO TO VALUES (10 Minutes)
TEAM CIRCLE
Key Idea:
Healthy Habits
Get the players into a group. “Today we are going to talk
about the benefits of being fit and eating well. Being healthy
is a lot easier when it becomes a routine part of life.” Ask
the team for examples of healthy habits. Make a point of explaining that being active will help them be healthier and feel
better. It also may help their basketball game. Also discuss
how other good habits can help them, such as getting
enough sleep, brushing their teeth, and saying no to
tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs.
PRACTICE 9
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
All players—Divide players into two
groups: a dribblers group, in which each
player has a ball, and a defenders group,
which does not have balls. The dribblers
group should have more players. Keep
the practice within a confined space. On a
signal, the dribblers begin dribbling while
the defenders attempt to steal the ball. If
a defender steals a ball, he or she begins
dribbling. Go for about 45 seconds, and
then regroup and switch roles as needed.
Fitness Component (5 minutes)
Key Idea: General fitness
Gather children into a circle. “Everyone is going to run in place. Let’s start.
Pretend that your body is going to run out of energy because you ate too many
chips and drank a soda before practice. Start running slower and slower, and
now stop! Now let’s pretend that you ate a peanut butter sandwich and drank
a glass of milk and a glass of water before practice. Let’s run in place.” Continue for 30 seconds. “See how you’re able to run much longer and keep your
energy? Eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water are healthy habits
for every day. You should drink water several times a day and drink even more
when you’re exercising. Also make sure to get enough sleep; exercise; brush
your teeth; and say no to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Keep your body
healthy!”
PRACTICE 9
Skills Drills (15 minutes)
1. Introduce, demonstrate and explain proper off-the
-ball positioning. Defenders should position themselves so they can see the ball and simultaneously
keep track of a moving opponent who may be trying to receive a pass.
2. Practice off-the-ball defensive positioning.
Description
Paired up players practice off-the-ball defensive positioning (partners can also coach each other). As an
option, you can have a player with the ball waiting to
pass to his or her offensive teammate.
Coaches’ Cue:
“Medium body posture.”
“Active hands and active
feet!”
“See the ball!”
“Anticipate!”
Coach: How did you position yourself to
prevent the offensive team from passing?
Players: Overplayed toward potential
passing lanes; closely guarded player with
the ball.
Coach: How did you position yourself to
deny a pass?
Players: Overplayed toward the ball; kept
hand in passing lane.
Game / Play (10 minutes)
Goal
Defenders try to deny offense from making successful passes; offense tries
to make six consecutive passes.
Description
Play 2 v 2 games using a competitive defense. For each 2 v 2 game, two
other players serve as coaches. One offensive player begins at the point, the
other at a wing position. The ball starts at the point. From a triple threat
position, the ball handler uses a ball fake to give his or her teammate a
chance to get open; or the ball handler dribbles to open a passing lane if
necessary. Rotate after a turnover or after six consecutive passes. One
player-coach gives feedback for the on-the-ball defense; the other playercoach gives feedback for the off-the-ball defense.
Practice 9
INTRO TO VALUES (10 Minutes)
TEAM CIRCLE
Key Idea:
Sportsmanship
Get the team together in a group. Ask what sportsmanship means to the team. Explain to the team that one
way of showing good sportsmanship is that at the end
of each game, no matter what the score is, the two
teams will shake hands. Have the team give examples
of good and poor sportsmanship.
PRACTICE 10
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
Pairs—Partners take turns shooting
three shots from each of five spots
marked around the basket
(approximately six to eight feet away).
The partner not shooting rebounds the
ball and passes it accurately to their
shooting partner. The shooting partner
gets in target position, receives the ball
in triple threat, and squares up and
shoots.
Fitness Component (5 minutes)
Key Idea: Muscular endurance
Gather children into a group near two cones about 10 feet apart.
Tell them that each cone represents a different food group. “This
cone is healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, milk and
breads. This other cone is special treat foods, such as chips, soda,
candy and sweet snacks. What foods can you eat to keep your body
healthy, with enough energy for basketball?” As they respond,
have them stand near the cone they choose. “It is important to eat
more healthy foods. They give you more energy for basketball and
help you grow. Special treat foods should be eaten in small
amounts. Can you tell me other examples of healthy foods and special treat foods?”
PRACTICE 10
Skills Drills (15 minutes)
1. Introduce, demonstrate and explain how to box-out to
rebound. Players box-out by getting between the opposing player and the basket, and putting their rear in contact with the opponent’s body
2. Practice boxing out and rebounding.
Description
Play 3 v 3 games with a 2 v 2 under the boards and a
shooter and an outlet. The shooter shoots the ball. One
the release P-1 and P-2 turn and box out their offensive
players. P-3 (the outlet) moves right or left, depending on
which side of the basket the rebound occurs. The player
rebounding the ball turns and passes to P-3. Repeat three
times, then rotate teams. Also consider rotating duties
within the teams—for example, the outlet person and the
shooter become rebounders. The defenders try to successfully outlet three times in a row.
Coach: What was the goal of the game?
Players: To prevent scoring and a second shot.
Coaches’ Cue:
“Create a stable wall
between opponent
and ball.”
“Elbows out—palms
wide, feel for opponent.”
“Put buttocks under
opponents.”
Coach: What did you do to prevent a second
shot?
Players: Got the rebound after the first shot.
Coach: How did you position yourself to get the
rebound?
Player: Moved between offensive player and
basket.
Game / Play (10 minutes)
Goal
Defenders try to prevent the offensive team from scoring—and from rebounding missed shots.
Description
Play 2 v 3 or 3 v 3 short-court games, depending on
the skill proficiency of your players. Rotate players accordingly so that all players have a chance to play offense and defense. Players can’t dribble and must take
at least three consecutive passes before shooting. The
defensive team receives one point for winning or rebounding the ball after only one shot.
Practice 10
INTRO TO VALUES (10 Minutes)
TEAM CIRCLE
Key Idea:
Keeping Perspective
Gather the players around in a group. This is time for reflection on the basketball season. Talk about some of the things
the team accomplished this season. Ask the players to share
what they learned throughout the season. Discuss some of
the fun things that happened throughout the season. Ask
the players to give examples of times they had fun during
the season. “The most important thing in basketball is to
have fun playing and learn new skills. I think you all did
that!”